Ghana

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 5.4 (2019 data). (org)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Ghana have remained stable, but underreporting due to cultural stigma is a significant challenge.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but rates of suicide attempts are higher among women due to socio-economic pressures and domestic violence.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is an emerging concern among youth, often linked to academic stress, unemployment, and family conflict.
   • Elderly (60+): Limited data is available, but risks may be associated with isolation, health issues, and economic challenges.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to isolation, limited access to healthcare, and socio-economic hardship.

4. Special Groups:

1. • Refugees and internally displaced persons face higher risks due to trauma, poverty, and lack of mental health services.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Ghana has made strides in mental health care under the Mental Health Act of 2012, though a specific national suicide prevention strategy is yet to be fully implemented.
• Key Elements:

• • Integration of mental health services into primary health care.
  • Public education campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide.
  • Capacity building for healthcare providers in suicide risk assessment.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: Campaigns by the Mental Health Authority, such as “Say No to Suicide,” aim to raise awareness and promote help-seeking behavior.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Youth-focused initiatives in schools to address stress and resilience building.
   • Community outreach programs for rural populations to improve access to mental health services.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with WHO and UNICEF to provide technical and financial support for mental health programs.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Development of mental health apps and hotlines for crisis support.
  • Social media campaigns targeting young people to promote mental health awareness.

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training for local health workers and traditional healers to recognize and address mental health issues.
  • Peer support networks are being introduced in some communities to provide emotional support.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Mental health stigma is pervasive in Ghana, often compounded by traditional beliefs attributing mental illness to spiritual causes.
  • Family and community support systems are integral to suicide prevention efforts.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Limited comprehensive data on suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized groups.

• Positive Developments:

• • The establishment of a national mental health helpline and ongoing public awareness campaigns reflect progress in addressing suicide prevention.

References

1. Mental Health Authority, Ghana. (n.d.). Mental Health Services and Suicide Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealthgh.org/
2. World Bank. (2019). Ghana – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Ghana. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. UNICEF Ghana. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/ghana/
5. Ministry of Health, Ghana. (n.d.). Mental Health Act of 2012 Overview. Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.gh/